CASNR awards $600,000 in student scholarships at annual scholarships and awards banquet

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Fifteen College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources seniors were named CASNR Seniors of Distinction at the college's Scholarships and Awards Banquet on March 31. Back row (l to r): CASNR Dean Thomas G. Coon, Kalyn McKibben, Kyle Hilbert, Lindsay King, Daniel Jordan, Nolan Craun, Julia Matera, Shanlyn Helfey, CASNR Associate Dean Cynda Clary and CASNR Alumni Board president Brian Vowell. Front row, seated (l to r): Gretchan Moore, Rebekah Sook, Katherine Schwartz, Mandy Schroeder, Jena Kellum and Mary Temple-Lee. Not picture: Kaylen Baker and Andres Guerrero Criado.

Oklahoma State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources awarded approximately $600,000 in scholarships to more than 300 CASNR students at the annual CASNR Scholarships and Awards Banquet March 31.

The scholarships awarded were part of more than $1.4 million in scholarships students will receive during the 2016-2017 academic year from the college and its departments. These awards are made possible by the generous donations of OSU CASNR alumni, friends, faculty and staff to various scholarship funds.

In addition to the awarding of scholarships, the college recognized students, faculty, staff and industry professionals at the banquet for their accomplishments in and contributions to CASNR and the industry they represent.

Honors for the night included the announcement of the 2016 CASNR outstanding senior and outstanding freshman. Kalyn McKibben from Wyandotte, Oklahoma, majoring in animal science was named the Louis and Betty Gardner Outstanding Senior. Courtney Mapes from Alva, Oklahoma, majoring in animal science was named the Charles and Magda Browning Outstanding Freshman.

In addition to these two student awards, CASNR recognized 15 Seniors of Distinction. Of the 15 students honored, five were named Dean’s Award of Excellence recipients (identified by an asterisk in the list below). Their names, hometown and major include:

*Kaylen Baker, Yukon, Oklahoma, agricultural communications and animal science
Nolan Craun, Stillwater, Oklahoma, natural resource ecology and management
Andres Guerrero Criado, Pembroke Pines, Florida, biochemistry and molecular biology, microbiology/cellular and molecular biology
Shanlyn Helfey, Wellington, Kansas, agribusiness
Kyle Hilbert, Depew, Oklahoma, agribusiness
Daniel Jordan, Paradise, Texas, landscape architecture and landscape management
Jena Kellum, Hugo, Oklahoma, animal science
*Lindsay King, Oakland, Nebraska, animal science and agricultural communications
*Julia Matera, Columbia, Missouri, animal science and biochemistry and molecular biology
*Kalyn McKibben, Wyandotte, Oklahoma, animal science
*Gretchan Moore, Muldrow, Oklahoma, biochemistry and molecular biology and microbiology/cellular and molecular biology
Mandy Schroeder, Nash, Oklahoma, agricultural leadership
Katherine Schwartz, Mustang, Oklahoma, natural resource ecology and management
Rebekah Sook, Midwest City, Oklahoma, biochemistry and molecular biology
Mary Temple-Lee, Maysville, Oklahoma, animal science and biochemistry and molecular biology

Four CASNR faculty members were recognized for their teaching, advising and mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students. Their names, award and academic department include:

Gerald Fitch, Excellence in Undergraduate Student Advising and Mentoring Award, animal science
Sergio Abit, Early Career Award for Excellence in Teaching, plant and soil sciences
Bill Raun, Excellence in Graduate Student Advising and Mentoring Award, plant and soil sciences
Thomas Kuzmic, Award for Excellence in Teaching, natural resource ecology and management

Two CASNR alumni were recognized for their early success in their careers within the agricultural and natural resources industries. The names, hometowns and current careers of the two Early Career Achievement Award recipients include:

Robyn Rudisill, Springdale, Arkansas, Tyson Foods, Inc. senior director of talent pipeline
Brady Sidwell, Goltry, Oklahoma, Enterprise Grain Company, Sidwell Strategies, Sidwell Seed and Sidwell Farms, Inc.

The Oklahoma State University College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources believes in the value of hands-on education and the importance of having a well-rounded student experience. Our award-winning faculty members are dedicated to developing students and are passionate about adding value to the total educational experience. With 16 majors and 62 study options, plus more than 60 student organizations, the college is committed to expanding minds and inspiring purpose. Learn more at casnr.okstate.edu.

PHOTO: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ostatenews/albums/72157667227975912